Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program Dunn Lake (No. 237)

Overview

Location

Description

Description

Dunn Lake features a mosaic of communities surrounding the lake, giving the area a wilderness aspect. The site contains an outstanding example of northern mesic forest, with super-canopy white pine above large hemlock, yellow birch, sugar maple, and basswood. This undisturbed stand lies on the northeast side of Dunn Lake and extends eastward across the Presque Isle River. Another old-growth stand lies on an upland peninsula west of Sanborn Lake. The Presque Isle River is a meandering, soft, warm water stream that supports a high diversity of native aquatic plants. Bordering the stream are excellent examples of northern sedge meadow, alder thicket, and northern wet forest communities. Recent beaver activity has altered the composition of these. The uplands to the south have been subjected to intensive timber harvest. Bald eagles have nested in the large white pines. Dunn Lake is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 1990.

Access

Driving directions

Public access is via the Presque Isle River. There is no upland public access at this time. Please contact the State Natural Areas Program for more information.

Ownership

Dunn Lake is owned by:

WDNR

Maps

The DNR's state natural areas program is comprised of lands owned by the state, private conservation organizations, municipalities, other governmental agencies, educational institutions and private individuals. While the majority of SNAs are open to the public, access may vary according to individual ownership policies. Public use restrictions may apply due to public safety, or to protect endangered or threatened species or unique natural features. Lands may be temporarily closed due to specific management activities. Users are encouraged to contact the landowner for more specific details.

The data shown on these maps have been obtained from various sources, and are of varying age, reliability, and resolution. The data may contain errors or omissions and should not be interpreted as a legal representation of legal ownership boundaries.

Objectives

Site objectives

Manage the site as a reserve for northern mesic forest, northern wet forest, and alder thicket, as an aquatic reserve and wetland protection area, and as an ecological reference area. Natural processes will primarily determine the structure of the site's natural communities. Provide opportunities for research and education on the highest quality native northern mesic forest.

Management approach

The native species are managed passively, which allows nature to determine the ecological characteristics of the site. Exceptions include control of invasive plants and animals, maintenance of existing facilities, and access to suppress fires. Salvage of trees after a major wind event is not considered compatible with management objectives.

Site-specific considerations

The southern part of the site is designated as a future old-growth forest, where the currently young trees will gradually age, and develop old-growth characteristics over time.

Public access is restricted due to lack of public roadways.

Recreation

Very few State Natural Areas have public facilities, but nearly all are open for a variety of recreational activities as indicated below. Generally, there are no picnic areas, restrooms, or other developments. Parking lots or designated parking areas are noted on individual SNA pages and maps. Trails, if present, are typically undesignated footpaths. If a developed trail is present, it will normally be noted on the SNA map and/or under the "Access" tab. A compass and topographic map or a GPS unit are useful tools for exploring larger, isolated SNAs.

Allowable activities

In general, the activities listed below are allowed on all DNR-owned SNA lands. Exceptions to this list of public uses, such as SNAs closed to hunting, are noted under the "Access" tab above and posted with signs on site.